David Warner has declared his fourth-innings century against Bangladesh in Dhaka as the best knock of his career despite it not being enough to spare Australia from defeat.
Warner's struggles on the subcontinent had been a major flaw but, with Australia's backs to the wall in the first Test, the vice-captain rose to the occasion with a brilliant 112.
Hopes were raised that Australia could pull off a miracle comeback but Warner's dismissal early on day four precipitated a batting collapse that handed Bangladesh victory.
It was nonetheless an inspired performance from Warner, who plundered 16 fours and a six and showed no signs of the hesitancy that had plagued his recent innings in the region.
"In a fourth innings in the subcontinent on a turning wicket, there are a lot of mental things that go through your head. You have got to overcome those," Warner said after declaring it his greatest knock.
"For me, it was about coming out and backing myself and my game plan.
"I probably tinkered with it a lot over the last couple of years in these conditions and probably just didn't nail the basics of what I do best, and that's sort of attacking and then defending.
"I proved to myself that I am capable of doing it on turning tracks as well with that positive mindset and energy in the legs."
For the likes of Usman Khawaja and Matthew Wade, who both batted poorly in Dhaka, Warner's big innings could provide the blueprint for success in next week's second Test.
With speculation mounting that Khawaja would be dropped for the Chittagong Test, Warner said the elegant left-hander had worked hard in the nets after an eight-month absence from national duties.
"Obviously, that is up to selectors but, if you give him (another) opportunity, I am sure he will take it," Warner said.
"He has worked so hard in the nets in Darwin. And he has done everything he possibly can to get back here.
"It might take him this game to realise what it takes to actually start your innings, for one, and then move on with it."
The much-needed century propelled Warner back into the top 10 in the ICC world Test batting rankings, climbing five places to sixth spot.
DAVID WARNER'S BIGGEST TEST SCORES IN ASIA/MIDDLE EAST:
* 133 v Pakistan, Dubai, October 2014
* 112 v Bangladesh, Dhaka, August 2017
* 71 v India, Mohali, March 2013
OUTSIDE ASIA:
* 253 v New Zealand, Perth, November 2015
* 180 v India, Perth, January 2012
* 163 v New Zealand, Brisbane, November 2015
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